Distribution and abundance of birds at Potter Peninsula, 25 de Mayo (King George) Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

Abstract

The bird community at Potter Peninsula was surveyed during the 1987/88 and 1988/89 austral summers. Ten species were found to breed: Pygoscelis adeliae (14 554 pairs), P. papua (2325), P. antarctica (265), Macronectes giganteus (75), Oceanites oceanicus (100-200), Larus dominicanus (44), Catharacta maccormicki (2), C. antarctica (20), Sterna vittata (100-200) and Chionis alba (15). Four species were frequently sighted as nonbreeding visitors: Eudyptes chrysolophus, Daption capense, Pagodroma nivea, and Phalacrocorax atriceps. Six species were occasionally recorded: Fulmarus glacialoides, Fregetta tropica (possibly breeding in small numbers), Calidris fuscicollis, Cygnus melancoryphus, Anas georgica and Bubulcus ibis. The value of the surveyed area for scientific research and environmental conservation purposes is considered. -from Author